Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that make for an irresistible dish. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual weeknight meals, these skewers are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The sticky glaze and tender chicken pieces will have everyone coming back for more, making this recipe a true standout.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- For the Marinade
- For Garnish
- How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
- Step 4: Grill the Skewers
- Step 5: Serve Your Skewers
- How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- On a Bed of Rice
- With Dipping Sauces
- As an Appetizer
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Accompanied by Crunchy Vegetables
- How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best chicken for Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers?
- Can I use chicken breast instead?
- How do I customize my Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers?
- Can these skewers be made ahead of time?
- What do I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that pleases every palate.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy these skewers as an appetizer, main course, or even at your next barbecue!
- Healthy Option: Made with dark meat chicken and natural ingredients, they’re a tasty choice without the guilt.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare them ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To create these Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bamboo skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Bamboo skewers: These hold the chicken pieces together while grilling, ensuring even cooking.
- Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect charred finish that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken properly so it absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers – sticky sweet and savory chicken on skewers. So easy to make, so delicious that you won’t stop eating.
For the Chicken
- 8 oz (230g) chicken thigh and leg meat (dark meat, cut into small pieces)
- oil (for brushing)
For the Marinade
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese rice apple vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon five spice powder
- 3 dashes white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
For Garnish
- white sesame seeds
- scallion (sliced into small pieces)

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken and cut it into small pieces. Pat dry with paper towels. Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients:
1. Add soy sauce.
2. Include oyster sauce.
3. Pour in sesame oil.
4. Add rice apple vinegar, five spice powder, white pepper, and honey.
5. Mix well until combined.
6. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread 3-4 marinated pieces of chicken onto each soaked bamboo skewer. Ensure they are packed closely but not too tight.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Cook each skewer for about 5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Brush oil on both sides while grilling to enhance flavor.
Step 5: Serve Your Skewers
Once cooked through, remove from grill and sprinkle with white sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
Serving Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers can elevate your meal and impress your guests. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dish.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the skewers over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Pair with soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
As an Appetizer
- Cut the skewers into bite-sized pieces and serve them as finger food at parties.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top the skewers with fresh cilantro or parsley for added color and freshness.
Accompanied by Crunchy Vegetables
- Serve alongside carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a refreshing crunch.
How to Perfect Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
To make the best Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your cooking experience.
Choose the right cut of chicken: Use dark meat like thighs and legs for juiciness and flavor.
Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least an hour if time allows.
Soak bamboo skewers: Prevent burning by soaking bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the skewers to achieve that perfect char.
Monitor cooking time: Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Add more toppings: Experiment with additional toppings like crushed peanuts or chili flakes for extra texture and heat.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
Pairing side dishes with Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the sweetness of the skewers.
- Fried Rice: A classic Asian dish that complements the flavors of honey sesame chicken beautifully.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil provides a cool contrast.
- Garlic Noodles: Savory garlic noodles offer a satisfying side that pairs well with grilled chicken.
- Asian Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw dressed in sesame dressing adds texture and brightness to your meal.
- Egg Fried Rice: This dish combines eggs and vegetables stir-fried with rice, making it hearty and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how you can avoid them for the best results.
- Over-marinating the chicken: Marinating for too long can make the chicken mushy. Stick to 30 minutes for optimal flavor without compromising texture.
- Using dry chicken: Ensure your chicken pieces are moist by patting them dry instead of letting them sit out. This will help prevent dryness during cooking.
- Skipping the soaking of skewers: Not soaking bamboo skewers can lead to burning. Always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using.
- Not preheating the grill: Failing to heat your grill adequately can result in uneven cooking. Make sure it’s hot before placing your skewers on it.
- Crowding the skewers: Overloading skewers can prevent even cooking and charring. Thread only 3-4 pieces per skewer for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Place your Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers in a well-sealed container to maintain freshness.
- Use within 3 days: For best taste, consume leftovers within three days of cooking.
Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to tightly wrap each skewer before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months: For optimal flavor and texture, enjoy frozen skewers within two months.
Reheating Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and rewarm the skewers for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chicken for Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers?
Using dark meat like chicken thighs and legs provides juiciness and flavor, making them ideal for this recipe.
Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook as it may become dry.
How do I customize my Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers?
Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or onions between pieces of chicken on the skewers for added flavor and nutrition.
Can these skewers be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
What do I serve with Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers?
These delicious skewers pair well with steamed rice or a fresh salad. They also make great appetizers!
Final Thoughts
Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers are not only easy to prepare but also offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that everyone loves. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different vegetables or dipping sauces, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately four servings (4 skewers) 1x
Description
Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that will impress at any gathering. These skewers feature tender dark meat chicken marinated in a luscious honey-soy glaze, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual weeknight meals. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you’ll have these flavorful skewers ready to enjoy in no time. Whether served as an appetizer or as part of the main course, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Elevate your culinary repertoire with this versatile recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken thigh and leg meat (dark meat, cut into small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese rice apple vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon five spice powder
- 3 dashes white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- Bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Rinse chicken and cut it into small pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice apple vinegar, five spice powder, white pepper, and honey. Mix well.
- Coat chicken pieces evenly with the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Thread 3-4 marinated chicken pieces onto each soaked skewer.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook skewers for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 40g)
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg